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Football

16th Dec 2018

Roy Keane admits “it could have been 4 or 5” as United are outclassed by Liverpool

Wayne Farry

Roy Keane did not sugarcoat his assessment of Manchester United’s display at Anfield

Liverpool defeated Manchester United by a scoreline of three goals to one on Sunday evening in a match which saw the home side have six times as many attempts on goal as the visitors – 36 to six.

That discrepancy in no way flattered the Reds, who from the very start of the game completely steamrolled their sluggish and out-of-confidence rivals.

Liverpool took the lead via a beautiful Sadio Mane strike and though United managed to equalise in the first half through Jesse Lingard, victory for Jurgen Klopp’s side rarely looked in doubt.

That goal was courtesy of a glaring error from Brazilian goalkeeper Alisson and the reaction of the United players was understandably one of delight and hope, but in truth that was the last chance that Jose Mourinho’s side threatened.

Liverpool eventually won the game courtesy of two deflected strikes from the substitute Xherdan Shaqiri, whose impact showcased the sort of explosiveness and dynamism that was entirely absent from the United team.

The gulf in class illustrated by Sunday’s game was something touched upon by Sky Sports pundit and former Manchester United captain Roy Keane, as he discussed the game with fellow pundit Graeme Souness and host David Jones.

“In the last 20 minutes they (Liverpool) just wore them down and towards the end you’re thinking could it be 4 or 5? But United were just, kinda, never at the races really,” said Keane in a statement which all but the most deluded of Red Devils fans will struggle to disagree with.

“And it just reflects where they are. We spoke early about Liverpool, dominated every aspect of the game. The possession, obviously the goals, the shots, the corners. That was my big worry before the game. I looked at United and I thought ‘are they gonna be really found out today?’ and they were. And it’s a huge concern for United going forward.”